Goal Punching

“Moving Petty Officer” is a phrase that all Navy recruits learn immediately upon arrival to Boot Camp. It is used throughout a Sailor’s career.

This is one of my favorite phrases in the military. It shows not only a willingness to carry out orders, but demonstrates closed loop communication and immediate action.

Recently, my daughter slugged me in the arm and said “punch buggy white, no punch backs!”

I found it fascinating that she learned this game (and not from me). This is one that children have passed on for generations now.

I wonder why it catches on. I wonder why children adopt it. For some, maybe the initial appeal is to avoid pain. For others, to inflict pain. I must admit, it was always fun to hit my older brother as hard as I could knowing that I wouldn’t get hit back. That is of course until he spotted the next Volkswagen, and I would have to pay a huge price in the currency of bruises.

Reminiscing aside, this little game teaches a critical principal. It teaches immediate actionin response to stimuli,much like a new recruit responding to a senior Petty Officer. Conscious thought is dismissed while instinct and/or habit take over.

The challenge: think of an area of your life where procrastination deters your achievement of a specific goal.

The action: set up a visual cue in which the moment you see it, you can take immediate action without any additional thought. In other words, set up your own “punch buggy“. You can use anything. For example what if each time you sat a traffic light you tried to memorize something, repeated a positive affirmation, or called a loved one? The visual queue can be anything. A basketball, wheelchair, beard, school bus, emergency vehicle or yes…even… road kill!

The follow-through: now don’t think about it! Just act! When you see your queue, take immediate action. Make the goal small enough so that there are no excuses. Get in and out just like a a game of punch buggy. Be stealthy! It needs to be just enough to get you started. You just need to get a taste of what it is you’re trying to achieve. The small habits will grow and the fire will spread. Good luck!

Published by coreynasfell

I am a lucky husband and grateful father. I love to observe the world around me and "mine for mental gold." This blog is an expression of ideas designed to add value to your life.
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